Aromatic Herbs

Coriander: Benefits, Uses and How to Use It IMPORTANT: Coriander is generally safe when used as food and seasoning in the usual culinary amounts. However, some people are allergic to coriander and to other plants in the Umbelliferae family (celery, carrot, caraway, fennel, dill) and may develop reactions ranging from an itchy mouth to more serious responses. Consuming therapeutic quantities (concentrated teas, extracts, essential oil) is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding, in young children, or in people taking medication for diabetes or blood pressure (coriander may amplify the lowering of blood sugar and blood pressure) without a doctor’s advice. Coriander essential oil should never be ingested undiluted and should not be applied neat to the skin. Coriander is not a substitute for treatment prescribed by your doctor; it is a support, not a miracle cure. ...

Rosemary: Benefits, Uses, Preparation and Precautions IMPORTANT: Rosemary used as a culinary seasoning is safe for almost everyone. However, in large doses, in the form of concentrated essential oil or tincture taken in unmeasured amounts, rosemary can become problematic. Pregnant women should avoid medicinal doses (strong teas, tinctures, internal essential oil), because folk tradition and medical caution associate it with uterine stimulation. People with epilepsy, with very high blood pressure, or who are taking anticoagulant medication (such as warfarin) should talk to their doctor before using rosemary therapeutically. Rosemary essential oil should never be applied undiluted to the skin and should not be taken internally without the guidance of a specialist. In young children, rosemary essential oil should be avoided entirely around the face. ...

Basil: Benefits, Uses and How to Prepare It Correctly IMPORTANT: Basil is generally safe when used as a food or seasoning. However, basil essential oil and concentrated extracts must be used with great caution. Pregnant women should avoid large medicinal amounts, as folk tradition attributes uterine-stimulating effects to basil. People taking anticoagulant medications (such as warfarin) should be careful, since basil may influence blood clotting. Essential oil should never be applied undiluted to the skin or taken internally without the advice of a specialist. Consult your doctor if you are undergoing chronic treatment or if symptoms persist. ...

Bay Leaves: Benefits, Uses and How to Use Them for Digestion IMPORTANT: Bay leaves are safe in the ordinary amounts used in cooking, but as a concentrated remedy (teas, strong infusions, oil) they call for caution. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid drinking bay leaf tea in medicinal quantities, as folk tradition associates it with uterine stimulation. People with diabetes who take blood-sugar-lowering medication should be careful, since bay leaf may intensify the drop in blood glucose. Also, the whole leaf should never be swallowed — its edges remain hard and sharp even after boiling and can scratch or pierce the digestive tract. If you are on medication, suffer from kidney or liver conditions, or have surgery scheduled, talk to your doctor before using bay leaf as a remedy. Bay leaf does not replace a medical diagnosis or treatment. ...